My Favorite Things. . .2019 May, Vol. 5

Many of my followers, family and friends
know that I am not an out~of~doors person.

So~o~o. . .
as suggested by a close friend and colleague,
to begin my out~of~doors journey
I began gardening. . .Herb Gardening.

"Mr. Ed" built a three tier herb box
and we placed it just beyond the patio doors
in On Crooked Creek Gardens.

I adore how the three square boxes form little pockets for a variety of herbs.

While I resided in South East Kansas,
my colleague and I attended several Herb Gardening Classes.

These classes not only helped me to identify each herb,
but they also introduced me to using herbs within my kitchen.

Making herb butter is one of my favorite ways to use herbs!

Sharing my love of Herb Gardening with others is truly a joy.

Here's a glimpse of the Herb Gardening presentation,
Herbs - Edible Plants, I shared with my Joy Circle Ladies.

Through the Garden Gate
 was a special time with special friends On Crooked Creek.

I hosted a Garden Tour, featuring our Herb Garden.

While the ladies and I toured the Gardens On Crooked Creek,
"Mr. Ed" grilled some amazing chicken which I served with
herb flavored spaghetti and pasta sauce, french bread with herb butter,
a green salad, and a lemon dessert.

YuMMy!

Unfortunately,
several years ago, the herb box meet its demise.

Since then,
"Mr. Ed" helped me make the move of the herbs
to On Crooked Creek's front gardens. 

Instead of an herb box, we now use container gardening.

Early in the Summer evening,
I enjoy the play of light for photographing the blossoms of the chive.

The fifth in my post of My Favorite Things. . .Herb Gardening
has helped me achieve better health by getting out~of~doors
more frequently and eating more flavorful foods enhanced with herbs.

Take a moment to enjoy the herb gardening past and present
within On Crooked Creek's Gardens.

Until next time. . .

My Favorite Things. . .2019 April, Vol. 4

Early every Spring, one of My Favorite Things happens!
I hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees
right outside my windows On Crooked Creek.

Is it any wonder that birds would be included in my home decor?

The Entertainment Center in On Crooked Creek's Living Room
often awakens Spring with a variety of bird nests and bird statues.

You will find bird statues neatly tucked within vignettes,
especially in On Crooked Creek's Living Room table tops.

 One of my favorite designs, using a faux branch 
with a bird's nest and my porcelain white lacy bird statues, 
rest atop my vintage four drawer dresser.

 A re~design, after Christmas Seasonal Decor,
 depicts the 'empty~nesters' status of "Mr. Ed" and I.

While the birds sing sweetly beyond the patio doors,
 within On Crooked Creek's Dining Room, 
I adore using bird nest and bird statues within my buffet and hutch 
and in tablescaping.

This Winter,
within the realms of Studio One,
I took the leap and painted my gold bird statues.

* * * Tutorial * * *

I began by taping off the walnut pedestal base.

Then I painted each bird with a mixture of white and soft grey paints
from within Studio One's paint supply.

Although I was quite pleased and could have stopped here. . .

I proceeded with a thick layering of (dark) Old English Scratch Cover.

The scratch cover does 'bead up' on the paint.
After 24 hours, I did a light wipe down with a soft cloth.

Once the painter's tape was removed,
I proceeded with my latest design atop the hutch
in On Crooked Creek's Dining Room.

* * * * * * * * * * * 

Over the top design
from my over the top decision to paint my gold bird statues!

I love Silver!

I absolutely love how the silver compote
elevates the elegance of this embellished bird nest
used within On Crooked Creek's Dining Room tablescape!

My most recent design rests within the primitive cabinet
located at the base of the stairs on the lower level
in On Crooked Creek's Family Room.

Right outside my window, the birds singing sweetly
is the best sound to be awaken to each morning,
On Crooked Creek!



Until next time. . .